Man Charged with Sexual Abuse

A Bethalto man is facing charges in Macoupin County for allegedly sexually abusing a boy under the age of 13. 50 year old Timothy J. Heineman of the 100 block of Crestmoor Court has been charged with criminal sexual abuse as well as child pornography after authorities allege he filmed the episode with the child last month.

Authorities in Macoupin County say they were first made aware of the allegations after being notified by police in Bethalto. That department was contacted by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services after it received a report from a mandated reporter. Heineman has been officially charged and is free on bail. The Macoupin County State's Attorney's Office says a preliminary hearing in the case is set for October 5 in Carlinville.